Community Walks: “The Secrets of Muddy Pond” This Saturday, 6/17

The next in a series of Community Walks will take place this Saturday, June 17, 9:00–11:00am, along the railroad tracks near Muddy Pond.

David Pierce of the Chester Railway Station Museum will answer these questions and provide other fascinating facts as he leads our June Community Walk: “The Secrets of Muddy Pond & the Building of the First U.S. Railroad Mountain Crossing: Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020.”

Several times each day the familiar sound of a train’s warning can be heard throughout the Town of Washington as it approaches railroad crossings in the valley. Have you ever wondered how the track came into being? What engineering challenges were encountered and how they were met? Who were the workers and what tools were available to them?

Meet at the intersection of Summit Hill Road and Upper Valley Road at 9:00 am, just before the bridge which spans the railroad. From the bridge participants will have a view of the track, 90 feet below, and begin to gain an appreciation for the tremendous effort necessary to cut through the rock ledge by hand, without the use of dynamite or modern equipment.

This walk will take participants to Muddy Pond, on the watershed divide of the Berkshires, and to the highest point between Boston and Chicago along the rail line. Learn of the unique challenges presented to Whistler’s father as he engineered the world’s first mountain railroad up and over the Berkshire plateau. This area is wonderfully scenic, has abundant wildlife and has an amazing history. Learn why this five-acre Housatonic River headwaters has earned the title of “most deceptive body of water in Mass.”

Sturdy footwear should be worn, suitable for level walking along the traprock on the side of the railroad tracks. Approximately 2 hours — 4 miles. The event is free, but donations to the Chester Railway Station Museum will be gladly accepted. Heavy rain will cancel.